THE Lions could tackle a weakened Queensland Reds side when they face their first major test in Brisbane on Saturday.

Wallabies coach Rod Macqueen has released members of his Test squad for the game, yet star Queensland trio John Eales, Chris Latham and Ben Tune might all be missing.

Australia's World Cup-winning captain Eales has aggravated an Achilles tendon problem, while shoulder injuries have affected both Latham and Tune.

"At this stage, I am hoping to play for Queensland but I will take things easy over the next couple of days and see what happens," Eales said.

Latham is rated the least-likely starter, with Tune's recovery rate being closely assessed before the Queensland selectors announce their starting line-up.

Tune, one of the most lethal finishers in world rugby, had planned to make his comeback for a Queensland President's XV against the Lions in Townsville today.

But he has been making slightly slower than expected progress, which dashed those hopes.

The Lions, meanwhile, will be roared on by a sizeable contingent of travelling supporters at the Dairy Farmers Stadium.

Hundreds of Lions fans began arriving in Townsville yesterday, enjoying mid-80 degree temperatures on the tropical north Queensland coast, while numerous British expatriates will be flying from Cairns to witness events.

It is the first touring fixture staged in Townsville since Tonga beat a Queensland Country XV 18-3 eight years ago.

And the Lions, although expecting a far tougher outing than in their record 116-10 success against Western Australia last week, will be looking to sustain impressive early momentum.